Google recently conducted a test of YouTube pre-roll video length to measure the ad recall and brand favorability of three different length videos (0:15, 0:30 and 2:17). But both the study and AdWeek’s coverage of it failed to note one very important distinction when determining the most effective length for online video—whether the content was “pushed” or “pulled”.

For decades—large scale media exposure was limited to big brands with large budgets for advertising and PR campaigns. But with the ever-increasing accessibility of web publishing on platforms such as blogs and social media, small brands—and even individuals—can gain access to mass audiences like never before. In what ways can you put this web publishing boom to work for your brand, while differentiating yourself in a content saturated world?

A micro-moment is the term Google has coined to describe the exact instance in which a consumer need arises and they turn to the internet to look for answers, discover new things, make decision, or finalize a purchase. The key factor in a micro-moment is not about who the consumer is (age, race, gender) but rather what is their intent? They want something; knowledge, insight, guidance or validation and they want—no—need it, right now.

So how can you come out on top in the hearts and minds of consumers to win these micro-moments and, ultimately, their trust and business?

In a world filled with advertisements right and left, earning a consumer’s loyalty takes consistency and consideration. At the rate of content consumption among today’s consumers, achieving content personalization can seem like a daunting task. Finding a way to give everyone a unique brand experience is a challenge, but it’s worth the investment to deliver content that can truly connect with consumers on a much deeper level.

When’s the last time you went to a theater to watch “content” or asked your friends if they’ve read any good “content” lately?

Certainly a lot of the material that falls under Branded Content or Content Marketing is worthy of the term: badly rehashed articles, self-serving sales and marketing materials, and tacky faux-dialogs with a social media audience. What if it had the same prestige as cinema, art, literature, or journalism? Attaining even a fraction of the prestige would be a worthwhile improvement.